free tram flap AND implants- anyone out there??

Tasal
Tasal Member Posts: 35
edited August 2017 in Breast Reconstruction

I am currently recovering from a bilateral nipple sparing mastectomy with immediate free tram reconstruction. I knew I would need a second, revision surgery going into this. However, looking like I'll be needing the addition of implants too. Sort of bummed about that as this was the whole reason I went this route in the first place- so I would not have to face the future complications of implants. I'm making peace with this though but having the worst time trying to find ANY information or ANY other woman that has gone through this type of reconstruction. Surely I'm not the only one??? Anyone else out there? Would love to hear from you!

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  • rowanthefrog
    rowanthefrog Member Posts: 2
    edited August 2017

    I realize it's been 1.5 years since you posted this but I was searching for the same thing. I'm 2 months out from pedicled TRAM flap and my plastic surgeon is recommending implant to get better shape. Not sure how I feel. I see you are also in Atlanta. Curious how yours turned out (if you did it.)

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  • Tasal
    Tasal Member Posts: 35
    edited August 2017

    Hi! I was beginning to think I was the only one out there! Well, what I can tell you is that I have elected not to do any follow up or revision surgeries. I had originally been under the impression (pre-surgery) that some minor tweaking or fat grafting might need to happen. However, the tram & implants was not mentioned. I did end up seeking a second opinion from another highly recommended surgeon (who also specialized in breast oncology) and in that appointment when I mentioned that my plastic surgeon wanted to do implants, he looked at me and said "then why on earth did you do the tram?". Honestly, that was my thoughts in the first place. He said he thought my breasts were fine and that if there was anything he could offer it would be possibly fat grafting, but said that wouldn't increase my cup size, that it would only fill in a little of the areas that are shallow on the top portions of my chest. Though he did say that there is always the potential of needing repeated treatments as your body can absorb those fats. I had spoken to a few other plastics but honestly felt I got the most honest answer for "me" from this second opinion. So I've made peace with my smaller, slightly imperfect breasts. This being said, I do suffer from PMPS - I've got pretty bad nerve damage so that too helped make my decision as I don't think I could tolerate another surgery well. Not sure if this was any help, but this was my experience. I am more than happy to speak with you on the phone or even meet if you'd like. Whatever you need, or whatever you are comfortable with just let me know!

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